Facebook has launched a new feature that enables users to personally request unpublished information like relationship status.

The new feature, called Ask, makes it possible for Facebook users to request certain information about friends that is not currently public on the site, including details like home town and job, but also relationship status, adding an increased dating aspect to the social network.

The feature cannot be turned off, and applies to every aspect of a friend's profile that is not already public. A new Ask button appears next to any sections that haven't been filled in. Clicking the button sends a request.

Facebook says that a level of privacy remains, however, as users have the choice as to whom they share the requested information with.